Open Thursday through Sunday, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
During the 1790s, James Vann became a Cherokee Indian leader and wealthy businessman. He established the largest and most prosperous plantation in the Cherokee Nation, covering 1,000 acres of what is now Murray County. In 1804 he completed construction of a beautiful 2 ½-story brick home that was the most elegant in the Cherokee Nation. After Vann was murdered in 1809, his son Joseph inherited the mansion and plantation. Joseph was also a Cherokee leader and became even more wealthy than his father.

In the 1830s almost the entire Cherokee Nation was forced west by state and federal troops on the infamous Trail of Tears. The Vann family lost their elegant home, rebuilding in the Cherokee Territory of Oklahoma. Today the Vann House survives as Georgia’s best-preserved historic Cherokee Indian home. A guided tour allows visitors to see the house which features beautiful hand carvings, a remarkable “floating” staircase, a 12-foot mantle and fine antiques.Chief Vann House State Historic Site Business Plan

Each Saturday from April to August, volunteers with green thumbs can help plant, maintain, and harvest our traditional Cherokee Three Sisters garden. We'll provide the heirloom plants & seeds if you provide the help! Come harvest time, our volunteer gardeners are welcome to take home whatever they help to grow! 706-695-2598.

As part of "Your State Parks Day," Chief Vann House will host a volunteer day to assist with cleaning Cherokee structures (including the house itself), taking artifact inventory, and sprucing the grounds in preparation for winter. Afterward, volunteers will get a free VIP guided tour of the plantation. $5.50 - $6.50; free for volunteers. 706-695-2598.

In 1805, Cherokee Chief James Vann opened his new brick mansion to the Moravian missionaries to hold one of the first Christmas celebrations in the Cherokee Nation. To honor this tradition, visitors are invited to enjoy the sights and sounds of a 19th century Christmas in one of America’s best-preserved Cherokee Indian homes. $5.50 - $6.50 706-695-2598.